'Isidingo' star Don Mlangeni.
Isidingo actor Don Mlangeni, who stars in the soapie as Zeb Matabane, has reportedly been fired from the show.
The Daily Sun reported on Monday that the actor, who has been with the soapie for 15 years, allegedly refused to endorse a big bank whose name was included in his lines.
"It was part of the script and when he was supposed to mention the name, he skipped it. The bosses were unhappy with him," said someone close to the show who chose to remain anonymous.
Sources told the newspaper that Mlangeni felt he was being used and was not benefiting from endorsing the bank whose name has not been revealed.
"This emanates from the fact that actors are not allowed to endorse products or companies without the boss's consent. His argument was that he was only getting his monthly salary with no bonus or additional money for endorsing the bank. When he endorses a big company like that he's supposed to get his share," said the source.
It is believed that the actor took the matter to the SABC's general manager, who would meet with both parties on Monday.
'It's a personal matter'
"It's a personal matter and I don't think it'll help me to take the matter to the media. I'm handling it myself," said Mlangeni to the newspaper.
SABC3's publicist Doulha Domingo told the Mail & Guardian that the SABC does not have jurisdiction on matters relating to the cast of Isidingo and that the channel could not comment. "It's a staffing issue at Endemol and we can't get involved," said Domingo.
When called by the M&G, Endemol's Sindiswa Nene said the company, which produces the soapie, was unable to comment and would be releasing a statement soon.
The paper also quoted the source as saying this was not the first time the actor got booted off the show. It is believed he was fired last year but was called back after SABC acting chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng intervened. His bosses allegedly claimed that he was arrogant.